Both sides got off to winning starts last Sunday as City edged out Newcastle 2-0 at St James' Park after the Reds had beaten Southampton 2-1 at Anfield earlier in the day.

However, with Rodgers still trying to get his new signings to bed into his squad, a visit to Manuel Pellegrini's side this early represents an even more difficult challenge than usual.

Adam Lallana is still out injured, while Lazar Markovic is expected to come into contention, and Mario Balotelli is unlikely to be signed in time from AC Milan to be registered for the game against his former club.

Joe Allen could come in for Lucas Leiva for the visit to City, and Merson thinks that Rodgers's side will take a share of the spoils on Monday evening.

He told Sky Sports: "This is a big game. Liverpool were lucky to beat Southampton, but winning when you’re not playing well is the name of the game.

"You can’t play well for 38 games. As for Man City, they were comfortable against Newcastle and had more gears left. I’m giving Liverpool a chance here because it’s so early in the season.

Paul Gorst

A sports reporter for the Daily Mirror, Paul divides his time with Mirror Online alongside Sports Mole and TOPPS Kick. Paul has been a football writer for around five years and has had his work featured by the likes of Mail Online, LFC.tv, the Liverpool Echo and Mercury Press agency amongst others.